Northeastern University
Northeastern University at a Glance
Average SAT & ACT Scores for Northeastern University
| Test | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | Midpoint |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Reading | 710 | 760 | 735 |
| SAT Math | 750 | 790 | 770 |
| SAT Total | 1460 | 1550 | 1505 |
| ACT Composite | 33 | 35 | 34 |
Admissions Funnel
| Applications Received | 96,631 |
| Students Admitted | 5,459 |
| Students Enrolled | 2,744 |
| Yield Rate | 50.3% |
Northeastern University Rankings
| Ranking | 2025 | Year |
|---|---|---|
| US News National Universities | #43 | 2025 |
| QS World University Rankings | #362 | 2025 |
Northeastern University Overview
Northeastern University is a private university in Boston, MA with 39,566 students. With a 5.7% acceptance rate, it ranks among the most selective institutions in the country. The most popular majors are Business/Marketing, Engineering, and Computer Science. Graduates earn a median of $92,538 ten years after enrollment.
| Full Name | Northeastern University |
| Location | Boston, MA 02115-5005 |
| Type | Private |
| Website | northeastern.edu/ |
| Total Enrollment | 39,566 |
| Undergrad Enrollment | 22,528 |
| Female Students | 55.1% |
What Students Study at Northeastern University
Percentage of bachelor's degrees by field.
Northeastern University True Cost by Family Income
Sticker price doesn't tell the full story at Northeastern. Families earning $0-30k pay around $2,264 per year after aid, while those in the $110k+ bracket pay about $47,696. 12% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Northeastern enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students. Median debt at graduation is $24,250, which is reasonable against the $78,413 typical early-career salary.
| Family Income | Annual Net Price | 4-Year Total |
|---|---|---|
| $0-30k | $2,264 | $9,056 |
| $30-48k | $2,436 | $9,744 |
| $48-75k | $5,301 | $21,204 |
| $75-110k | $16,241 | $64,964 |
| $110k+ | $47,696 | $190,784 |
Cost Breakdown
| Room & Board | $18,790 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $84,641 |
Popular Majors at Northeastern University
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Student Demographics
How to Get Into Northeastern University
Northeastern is a Reach school for nearly all applicants. Competitive applicants typically score 1505+ on the SAT. Beyond grades and scores, Northeastern wants to see intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose in your application. Have 2-3 realistic backup schools — even perfect-on-paper students get denied here.
What Northeastern University Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Academic Gpa | Very Important |
| Rigor Of Secondary School Record | Very Important |
| Class Rank | Considered |
| Standardized Test Scores | Considered |
| Application Essay | Very Important |
| Recommendation | Important |
| Extracurricular Activities | Important |
| Talent Ability | Important |
| Character Personal Qualities | Important |
| First Generation | Considered |
| Alumni Relation | Considered |
| Interview | Not Considered |
| Work Experience | Important |
| Volunteer Work | Important |
Northeastern University Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the Northeastern University EA/ED admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Early Action | Nov 1 |
| Early Decision | Nov 1 |
| Regular Decision | Jan 1 |
| Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS) | Feb 15 |
Financial Aid & Student Debt
Frequently Asked Questions About Northeastern University
More About Northeastern University
Other Colleges in MA
Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. Northeastern University is not affiliated with DeepColleges.